A little huddle of four we strode towards Coronet Park, seedlings swinging and lunchboxes bursting with baked treats. We had thrust out a net of fliers with hopes of finding like minded people: wishing for change, weary of waste… a community. Our resilient leader Carly strode with confidence, my heart had a slight flutter, the fear of disappointment. Flemington isn’t Northcote, would anyone show up?

The park seemed very big as we set out our assortment of winter veg and nibbled on Carly’s delicious Bengali bhaja. In the distance, a boy and his dad cocked their heads mid kick and wandered over. Their bags opened to reveal hundreds of juicy limes that their 10 year old tree had produced. If these were the kinds of wonders people brought to a food swap I was definitely in for the long haul! A quite little trio of three generations approached shyly. The grandmother, with not a word of English, but a huge contagious smile pointed to the swap items, to us to her, to her daughter all the while merrily chattering in Mandarin, to which we spoke not a word. She scuttled off and returned with a lunchbox of sweet and yummy red bean sweet cake and lovingly craddling the enormous Pak Choy she chose in return.

And then suddenly people were coming from all directions

All ages, all genders, all nationalities; carrying books, picnic food, veggies, herbs and clothes to swap. we found ourselves looking at each other and grinning in shock, it was overwhelming and heartwarming. Everyone seemed as thrilled about it as us, promising to return to the next swap with more friends, proffering invites to pot lucks, and clothing exchanges, parties and community working bees. At the end of the day everyone felt like they left richer than when they arrived, it was more than I imagined it could be and look forward to many more Swaps in the future. It will grow, people will share more than what can be held in the hand, knowledge, talents and strength!